Physical Properties of Metals,

Non-Metals, and Metalloids

 Physical Properties
• Definition: Properties that can be observed
without making any chemical changes to the
substance.
• Determined by the atomic structure of the
substance and
the strength of
the bonds.
 Examples that could be easily
observed in your classrooms:
– Color – not always diagnostic, but sometimes can be
– Luster – how the light reflects off the surface of a
substance.
– Malleability – the ability of a substance to be deformed
under compressive stress.
– Density – mass/unit volume.
– Conductivity – the ability of the substance to transmit
electricity or heat.
Color
 Luster

Metallic Non-Metallic
Malleability
Density
Conductivity
 Metals vs. Non-metals
Metals Non-metals

Color Gold, silver, copper, pyrite, some others show Wide variety of colors or colorless;
characteristic colors; always opaque sometimes transparent or translucent

Luster Metallic luster: think coins and jewelry; shiny or Non-metallic luster: can be shiny, but
rusty looks like glass, not metal. Often dull.

Malleability Can be hammered or rolled into various shapes Will shatter if hammered

Density Usually heavy for its size: think lead and gold Average or light density – rarely heavy

Conductivity Will conduct cold or heat; will conduct electricity Will not conduct cold, heat, or
when solid electricity well.
 Metalloids
• B, Si, Ge, As, Sb, Te, Po (a diagonal between
the metals and the non-metals on the Periodic
Table of the Elements)
• Can have properties of metals or non-metals,
depending upon allotrope, temperature
conditions, presence of an electric field, or
other conditions.
• Often used as semi-conductors in electrical
applications.
• Cannot be easily identified by your students.
 For More Information,
IRC: Physical Properties of Metals,
Non-metals, and Metalloids